The answer is yes according to campaign group Consumer Focus. The group warned the new annual energy statements from energy suppliers would leave customers baffled.
Ofgem, the industry regulator was behind the new initiative which primarily aims to empower customers with the information needed to review their existing energy tariff, and help switch energy supplier if a better deal was available.
Energy suppliers were told to start issuing their customers with annual statements from the beginning of last month, and they had until the 1st of December to do so.
Consumer Focus took a look at them and said in the worst cases, some of them looked like bills, used confusing language and did not make it clear how to switch suppliers. Customers would find it difficult to differentiate them from their usual energy bills, leading to confusion over what their purpose is.
The Energy Retail Association which represents energy suppliers defended them by saying the annual statements are ‘a work in progress’ and suppliers would ‘welcome feedback’. However, Consumer Focus expressed its disappointment at the way some energy suppliers have responded to Ofgem’s new drive.
The campaign group was impressed by British Gas though, describing its statements as clear and customer-friendly. It did not praise Southern & Scottish Energy or Npower, classing their efforts as ‘poor’.
Ofgem is in agreement with Consumer Focus, saying some energy companies have failed to adopt the spirit in which the annual statements were intended. It has already called for improvements to be made.
Read our article Annual Energy Statements – What you need to know, for further information.
Source
http://www.energychoices.co.uk/annual-energy-statements-are-confusing-030810.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10847420
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-10840660
